FL H0699

Creates new Section 725.09, Florida Statutes, establishing limitations on indemnification clauses and standard of care requirements in contracts with design professionals (architects, landscape architects, surveyors, engineers, geologists, and registered interior designers)

Renders void and unenforceable professional services contracts entered into on or after July 1, 2026 that require design professionals to indemnify parties for damages beyond their proportionate liability, defend claims not covered by professional liability insurance, or be listed as additional insured on professional liability policies

Establishes a mandatory standard of care requiring design professionals to perform services with the skill and care ordinarily provided by competent professionals practicing under similar circumstances; any differing contractual standard of care is superseded by this statutory standard

Preserves the ability to require design professionals to list additional insureds on general liability and automobile insurance policies, and allows proportional reimbursement provisions for attorney fees and litigation costs

Takes effect July 1, 2026 and does not apply to contracts entered into before that date, nor does it affect existing insurance contracts, workers' compensation, or joint and several liability law